The Whale Whisperers: How A Mutual Respect On Instagram Connected Two Photographers

After a week swimming with whales in Tonga, physiotherapist-turned-photographer Rita Kluge was due to return to Australia.

"I didn't want to go home, so I stayed on the island," Kluge said.

"It was crazy, I asked the eco resort if I could take photos of their place in exchange to stay a few more nights, and they said yes, I was very lucky."

Rita Kluge photographs a whale in Tonga. Picture: Rita Kluge

Luck and talent worked together to give Kluge an introduction to legendary whale photographer Darren Jew, who has won the Australian Institute for Professional Photography award for science, environment and nature not once but five times.